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Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Saturday, August 1st at 10:00 a.m.The Department of Environmental Protection’s Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park invites the public to come out for a morning presentation by Julie Neel, a well known butterfly gardener from South Georgia. Wouldn’t you like to have a beautiful garden and at the same time attract winged jewels? Julie truly enjoys educating the public about ways to attract butterflies to their gardens. She is a wonderful southern lady who has for years shared her joy of Butterfly Gardening with others. Southern Living magazine once referred to her as, “Georgia’s Butterfly Lady.” This workshop will take place at the Gardener’s Cottage.
Fees: The program is free with paid park admission.
Contact: (850) 487-4115
Directions: Maclay State Gardens is located one half mile north of I-10 on U.S. 319.

In celebration of National Parks and Recreation Month Ravine Gardens State Park will be offering a special family friendly program presented by Florida Public Archaeology Network, ‘Prehistoric Weaponry in Florida’. Learn the importance of historic preservation and the measures the Florida Park System takes to preserve and protect our cultural resources. See how archaeologists uncover the truth about early Floridians and how they lived. What did they use to hunt the meat that they ate, how did they protect themselves from preditor or their enemies? Come spend this early summer morning cooling off in the Civic Center while discovering some of the behind scenes activities at the Florida State Parks. After the program take the family on a walk through the gardens and the ravine trails. Discover and enjoy the parks beautiful cultural resources and rediscover …the Real Florida.
Fees: Regular park admission fees apply.
Contact: Contact Ravine Gardens for more information.
Directions: Ravine Gardens State Park is located in Palatka, Florida. From US17/SR100, turn south onto Moseley Avenue, then turn east onto Twigg Street.

Taught by folk artist, Janet Moses, in this workshop, you will learn to create a beautiful masterpiece on reclaimed materials using your own imagination and personal touches. Come impress yourself with your creative abilities and leave with a piece of art that you will be proud to display on your porch or in your garden.Read the rest of this entry »

The non-profit company, Critter Encounters, and the sister company, Pest Logic, are going to have an exciting exhibit to view! Boas, pythons and other unwanted pests will be on display on the deck outside the Nature Center. These different creatures will bring to life how difficult it is for Florida to protect our native species.

The Ocala Astronomy brings telescopes and knowledge for an educational evening under the stars. If you are a beginner in astronomy this is a perfect opportunity to learn about telescope usage and what to look for. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Insect repellant suggested. Event is weather permitting.

Fees: Regular park entry fee appliesContact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.usDirections: Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From Interstate 75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From Interstate 95 take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Big Lagoon State Park is hosting its ‘Dragonflies and Damselflies’ interpretive program. Dragonflies and damselflies are one of the most ecologically important and beneficial insects on the planet! Make a date with Big Lagoon State Park and explore the exciting and interesting world of these species. The park offers many recreational opportunities to visitors with disabilities. Should you need assistance to enable your full participation, please contact the park office at (850)492-1595.

In celebration of Florida State Park month Raving Gardens State Park will be offering family friendly - kid oriented wagon tours. Relax as a park ranger guides you around the 1.8 mile loop of woodsy terrain. Sit back and enjoy a ride back through history, back to a time when young men of the CCC took on the back breaking task of building the beautiful gardens of the ravine. You’ll go back even further to a time when the ravine was forming. Be amazed at how large the native trees grow deep within the confines of this geological marvel Learn to ID some of the native and exotic plants that grow here.

Take a guided tour through the replica Cracker Village learning about Central Florida lifestyles in the 1800’s. Tour is given by an authentic Florida ‘Cracker.’

Fees: Regular Park entry fee applies
Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
Directions: Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From Interstate 75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From Interstate 95 take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.

Taught by Barbara Barker, the workshops will teach participants how to grow and propagate warm weather herbs. The second half of the workshop will cover cooking with herbs. You will learn how to make herb salts from marinades. Bring your pruners and take home some cuttings. This is a hands on workshop.

Taught by folk artist, Janet Moses, in this workshop, you will learn how to craft a handmade angel using recycled and found items. You will use grapevines for the angels’ wings and will add vintage lace, home spun quilt pieces, plus any personnel items you would like to add. The finished product stands approximately 30” tall and will certainly dress up your home. All levels of crafters are welcome.